Portland’s most exciting new restaurants

Fred Meyer Stores Not for Sale

Kroger and Albertsons plan to sell off at least 49 stores in Oregon (and 400 nationwide) if their merger goes through. But none of the stores sold will be Fred Meyers. QFCs and Safeways may still be auctioned off. [Oregonian]

Drone Should Leave the Birds Alone

A crowd of Portlanders booed a drone operator after the device flew too close to the Vaux’s swifts coming in for their night of rest at the Chapman Elementary School chimney. Portland Audubon officials say the operator was probably breaking the law and drones should stay clear of the area. [OPB]

More Oregonians Leave

The number of Oregonians leaving the state in 2022 outpaced those who moved here for the first time in two generations, according to new data from the U.S. Census. The number of people moving here stayed steady while the number leaving rose sharply. [State Economist Josh Lehner]

Possible Teacher’s Strike

Today is the City Cast Portland podcast's weekly news round-up: A Portland Public Schools teacher strike is possible, even likely. The first Portland-area detox center funded by Measure 110 is opening. Our city has a wild short-term rental market. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

💗 Taylor Rave | Friday | 9 p.m.

The Crystal Ballroom’s latest pop-themed rave promises originals and remixes, balloons and lasers. [$35.54, Downtown]

🍴 Snack Fest | Friday - Sunday | Various

Browse the stands for the morsels of your choice. [Free, Buckman]

🍺 Zoiglfest 2023 | Friday - Saturday | 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Strap on your lederhosen. Sample beer, pretzels, and brats. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, yard games, and a fashion show! [Free, Lents]

💃🏿 El Grito Annual Celebration | Friday - Saturday | 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month includes folk dance, mariachi, and Mexican food. [Free, Lloyd District]

🎈 The Big Bounce America 2023 Tour | Fridays - Sundays | Various

Here’s fun for the whole family. The world’s largest bounce house — coming in at 16,000 square feet — is in town for two weekends. [$47.96+, North Portland]

🧹 Central Eastside Beach & Riverside Cleanup | Saturday | 10 a.m. - Noon

It’s International Coastal Cleanup Day. Join the efforts along the Willamette. [Free, Hosford-Abernethy]

🧹 Cathedral Park Beach Cleanup | Saturday | 3:30 - 6 p.m.

SOLVE is hosting volunteers to clean up the beach in North Portland. Cleaning will take place south of the fishing dock. [Free, St. Johns]

🎊 Festival of Nations | Saturday | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This family-friendly event features live music and dance, along with tasty food. [Free, Centennial]

🤼‍♂️ Harvest Havoc: An Explosive Night of Wrestling and Music | Saturday | 5 - 9 p.m.

Anarcho Pro Wrestling is erecting a full-size wrestling ring in Gigantic Brewings’s Barrel Room. Expect four matches and plenty of craft beer. A first drink is included with the price of admission. [$15, Reed]

🌻 Sunflower Festival 2023 | Fridays - Sundays | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

French Prairie Gardens offers a chance to pick from over 100,000 sunflowers. There’s tractor rides, live music, and a bouncy house too. The price of admission includes one bloom to take home. [$16.99+, St. Paul, Ore.]

Unregulated Airbnbs, Measure 110’s First Detox Center, and Teacher Strikes

Today is the City Cast Portland weekly news round-up: A Portland Public Schools teacher strike is possible, even likely. The first Portland detox center funded by Measure 110 is opening. Our city has a wild short-term rental market.